U.S. patent application number 16/995540 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-02 for anonymous funding of an online account with cash.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pilot Games, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Pilot Games, Inc.. Invention is credited to Anthony M. Morelli, Jon Weaver, Warren R. White.
Application Number | 20210374727 16/995540 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005304470 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210374727 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weaver; Jon ; et
al. |
December 2, 2021 |
ANONYMOUS FUNDING OF AN ONLINE ACCOUNT WITH CASH
Abstract
A system and method for anonymously funding a temporary cash
account is described. The system includes a personal mobile device,
a cash account, a Point-of-Sale (POS) device and a network
component. A device identifier is received by the personal mobile
device. A unique session identification is generated by the network
component and communicated to the personal mobile device and to the
POS device. The POS device and personal mobile device displays the
device identifier. The POS device then proceeds to receive a cash
amount. The POS receives an instruction to associate the cash
amount with the personal mobile device. The personal mobile device
communicates the cash amount to the network component. The network
component receives the device identifier, the unique session
identification and the cash amount. The network component funds the
cash account with the cash amount. The personal mobile device
accesses the cash account to fund an activity.
Inventors: |
Weaver; Jon; (Saint Paul,
MN) ; White; Warren R.; (Reno, NV) ; Morelli;
Anthony M.; (Mt. Pleasant, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pilot Games, Inc. |
Minnetonka |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Pilot Games, Inc.
Minnetonka
MN
|
Family ID: |
1000005304470 |
Appl. No.: |
16/995540 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62704830 |
May 29, 2020 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/20 20130101;
G06Q 20/3224 20130101; G06Q 20/383 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/3223 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/38 20060101
G06Q020/38; G07F 17/32 20060101 G07F017/32; G06Q 20/32 20060101
G06Q020/32; G06Q 20/20 20060101 G06Q020/20 |
Claims
1. A system for anonymously funding a temporary cash account, the
system comprising: a personal mobile device communicatively coupled
to a network component; a cash account that has a predefined
duration period wherein the cash account forfeits funds remaining
in the cash account upon expiration of the predefined duration
period; a list of authorized locations; a Point-of-Sale (POS)
device communicatively coupled to the network component wherein the
POS device is associated with the at least one authorized location;
a device identifier received by the personal mobile device, in
which the device identifier is communicated from the network
component to the personal mobile device and to the POS device; a
unique session identification, generated by the network component,
is communicated to the personal mobile device; the unique session
identification generated by the network component is also
communicated to the POS device; the POS device receives a cash
amount from a particular user; the POS device generates a
confirmation instruction that confirms that the device identifier
associated with the personal mobile device is in the physical
possession of the particular user that provided the cash amount;
the POS device confirms that the device identifier receiving the
funds is the one in the possession of the user supplying the funds;
the POS receives an instruction to associate the cash amount with
the personal mobile device sharing the same device identifier with
the personal mobile device and the POS device; the POS device
communicates the device identifier, the unique session
identification and the cash amount to the network component; the
network component receives the device identifier, the unique
session identification and the cash amount; the network component
verifies the received data and funds the cash account with the cash
amount; and the personal mobile device accesses the cash account to
fund an activity.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the device identifier originates
at the personal mobile device and is communicated to the network
component.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the device identifier, originating
at the personal mobile device, is generated from a user input.
4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a mobile application
that is downloaded to the personal mobile device wherein the
downloaded mobile application is communicatively coupled to the
network component.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the network component receives a
Wi-Fi source message from the mobile application, in which the
Wi-Fi source message is associated with an authorized location.
6. The system of claim 4 wherein the mobile application requests a
geo-location data set and the mobile application communicates the
geo-location data set to the network component.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the network component accesses a
database that identifies authorized locations.
8. The system of claim 1 further comprising a cash selection input
associated with a mobile application, in which the cash selection
input is received by the mobile application; and the cash selection
input is communicated to the network component, which then
communicates the cash selection input to the POS device.
9. The system of claim 1 further comprising a mobile application
that includes a wagering game operating on the personal mobile
device and the cash account funds the wagering game.
10. The system of claim 1 further comprising a mobile application
that receives the device identifier and the mobile application
receives the unique session identification.
11. The system of claim 1 further comprising a mobile application
displaying the device identifier with a large image of the device
identifier when the personal mobile device is in the same
authorized location as the POS device.
12. A system for anonymously funding a temporary cash account, the
system comprising: a personal mobile device communicatively coupled
to a network component; a mobile application that is downloaded to
the personal mobile device wherein the downloaded mobile
application is communicatively coupled to the network component; a
geo-location data set requested by the mobile application and
communicated by the mobile application to the network component;
the network component communicating a list of authorized gaming
locations to the mobile application; a cash account that has a
predefined duration period wherein the cash account forfeits funds
remaining in the cash account upon expiration of the predefined
duration period; a Point-of-Sale (POS) device communicatively
coupled to the network component wherein the POS device is
associated with at least one authorized gaming location; a device
identifier received by the personal mobile device, in which the
device identifier is communicated from the network component to the
personal mobile device and to the POS device; a unique session
identification, generated by the network component, is communicated
to the personal mobile device; the unique session identification
generated by the network component is also communicated to the POS
device; the POS device displays the device identifier; the device
identifier is displayed on the personal mobile device when the
personal mobile device is in a same authorized location as the POS
device; the POS device receives a cash amount from a particular
user; the POS device generates a confirmation instruction that
confirms that the device identifier associated with the personal
mobile device is in the physical possession of the particular user
that provided the cash amount; the POS receives an instruction to
associate the cash amount with the personal mobile device sharing
the same device identifier with the personal mobile device and the
POS device; the POS device communicates the cash amount to the
network component; the network component receives the device
identifier, the unique session identification and the cash amount;
the network component funds the cash account with the cash amount;
and the personal mobile device accesses the cash account to fund a
gaming activity.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein the device identifier originates
at the personal mobile device and is communicated to the network
component.
14. The system of claim 12 wherein the device identifier,
originating at the personal mobile device, is generated from a user
input.
15. The system of claim 11 further comprising a cash selection
input associated with the mobile application, in which the cash
selection input is received by the mobile application; and the cash
selection input communicated to the network component, which then
communicates the cash selection input to the POS device.
16. The system of claim 11 wherein the mobile application displays
the device identifier with a large image of the device identifier
when the personal mobile device is in the same authorized location
as the POS device.
17. A method for anonymously funding a temporary cash account, the
system comprising: communicatively coupling a personal mobile
device to a network component; providing a cash account that has a
predefined duration period wherein the cash account forfeits funds
remaining in the cash account upon expiration of the predefined
duration period; communicatively coupling a Point-of-Sale (POS)
device to the network component wherein the POS device is
associated with at least one authorized location; receiving, by the
personal mobile device, a device identifier in which the device
identifier is communicated from the network component to the
personal mobile device and to the POS device; generating, by the
network component, a unique session identification that is
communicated to the personal mobile device; communicating the
unique session identification, generated by the network component,
to the POS device; displaying the device identifier on the POS
device; displaying the device identifier is displayed on the
personal mobile device when the personal mobile device is in a same
authorized location the POS device; receiving a cash amount at the
POS device from a particular user; generating a confirmation
instruction, by the POS device, that confirms that the device
identifier associated with the personal mobile device is in the
physical possession of the particular user that provided the cash
amount; receiving, at the POS, an instruction to associate the cash
amount with the personal mobile device sharing the same device
identifier with the personal mobile device and the POS device;
communicating the cash amount from the POS device to the network
component; enabling the network component to receive the device
identifier, the unique session identification and the cash amount;
funding the cash account, at the network component, with the cash
amount; and enabling the personal mobile device to access with the
cash account to fund an activity.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein the device identifier originates
at the personal mobile device and is communicated to the network
component.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein the device identifier,
originating at the personal mobile device, is generated from a user
input.
20. The method of claim 16 further comprising, downloading a mobile
application to the personal mobile device wherein the downloaded
mobile application is communicatively coupled to the network
component; requesting a geo-location data set, by the mobile
application, that is communicated from the mobile application to
the network component; and communicating, by the network component,
a list of authorized gaming locations to the mobile
application.
21. The method of claim 16 further comprising providing a cash
selection input associated with the mobile application, in which
the cash selection input is received by the mobile application and
communicated to the network component, which then communicates the
cash selection input to the POS device.
22. The method of claim 16 wherein the mobile application displays
the device identifier with a large image of the device identifier
when the personal mobile device is in the same authorized location
as the POS device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of provisional
patent application 62/704,830 filed on May 29, 2020, which is
entitled ANONYMOUS FUNDING OF A TEMPORARY ONLINE ACCOUNT WITH A
CASH FOR A WAGERING GAME.
FIELD
[0002] A system and method for anonymous funding of a temporary
online account with cash for a wagering game at an authorized
location is described. More particularly, the online account is
funded with cash that is received by a point of sale device and the
online account is accessible using a downloaded application
disposed on a mobile device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Typical wagering devices include slot machines and video
lottery terminals and are normally managed by various types of
computer systems which monitor and control their activities. Such
wagering devices are typically located in casinos, racetracks,
tribal gaming locations, fraternal organizations, lottery outlets
or other authorized locations. These are generally
capital-intensive operations requiring a significant capital
expenditure.
[0004] Wagering system have been developed where a central computer
system is interconnected via one or more of a variety communication
mechanisms to a multiplicity of venues where wagering devices, such
as VLTs or slot machines, allow players to play via the insertion
of cash or equivalent into the machines. The information associated
with the wagering devices is transmitted to the central computer,
which provides security monitoring and accounting services. Many
varieties of such systems exist.
[0005] The wagering devices may operate as stand-alone wagering
devices, in which the wagering activity and prize awards are
handled principally by the retail device, e.g. slot machine, and
the central system is tasked with monitoring and reporting
activities associated with the retail device. Other stand-alone
wagering devices are more highly integrated with the central
system, in which the central system performs some or all of the
game play and the retail device reflects the wagering results
determined by the central system.
[0006] Typically, the traditional wagering devices in the retail
venues are proprietary devices that incorporate coin and or
currency accepting devices. In some instances, the wagering devices
may include credit or debit card readers, although that is
prohibited by law and/or regulation in many jurisdictions.
[0007] More recently, central systems have been developed that use
commercial digital tablets or similar mobile devices that are
configured and operated at a particular venue. These mobile devices
do not have coin or currency readers. Instead the mobile devices
operate in conjunction with a cashier operated point-of-sale (POS)
device, or a kiosk. In operation, a cashier will accept funds from
a person that desires to use an application on the tablet and the
cashier uses functions on the POS device to fund a temporary
account that is tied to a particular venue's mobile device; the
mobile device is then loaned to the user. Regretfully, these
central systems do not support anonymously funding a player account
with cash for a wagering game operating on personal mobile device,
e.g. smartphones that belong to the customer.
[0008] In some jurisdictions systems exist that allow personal
mobile devices, e.g. smartphones, to be used as a wagering device
that operates wagering games in various on-line configurations.
Generally, the process of funding the wagering game is performed
with a registered user account, in which the user provides personal
identification information, and funds the account through the use
of personal credit or debit card accounts. In existing systems
anonymous cash transactions cannot be used to fund an anonymous
cash account for a wagering game that operates on a personal mobile
device. In such systems there is typically no requirement that
wagering be performed in a licensed venue.
[0009] Secure anonymous transactions may also be performed with a
one-time anonymous card account. However, these systems cannot,
again, support cash transactions.
[0010] Because there are circumstances whereby users of an
application would prefer to pay for it anonymously, it would be
beneficial to provide a system and method to support the anonymous
funding of an online account with cash for a wagering game, or
other application, operating on a personal mobile device.
SUMMARY
[0011] A system for anonymously funding a temporary cash account is
described. The system includes a personal mobile device, a cash
account, a Point-of-Sale (POS) device and a network component. The
personal mobile device is communicatively coupled to a network
component. The cash account has a predefined duration period. The
cash account forfeits funds remaining in the cash account upon
expiration of the predefined duration period. The Point-of-Sale
(POS) device is also communicatively coupled to the network
component. The POS device is associated with an authorized or
licensed location.
[0012] A personal mobile device is identified as being in an
authorized location, as specified by a database associated with the
network component. If the mobile device is not in an authorized
location, it may be sent information describing the location of
nearby authorized locations.
[0013] If the mobile device is in an authorized location, the
network component will determine a device identifier value that is
unique to the specific authorized location. The network component
may create the device identifier or the network component may have
a screen-name suggested by the mobile device as entered by the
user, in which case the network component would validate that the
suggested device identification is unique at the authorized
location. The device identifier value is sent from the network
component to the personal mobile device and the POS at the
authorized location.
[0014] A unique session identification value is generated by the
network component. The unique session identification is
communicated to the personal mobile device. The unique session
identification generated by the network component is also
communicated to the POS device. This unique session identification
value is incorporated in all data messages between the mobile
device, POS and the network component for integrity
verification.
[0015] The POS device displays the device identifier. The device
identifier is also displayed on the personal mobile device.
[0016] The POS device then proceeds to receive a cash amount from a
particular user of the personal mobile device. The POS device
generates a confirmation instruction that confirms that the device
identifier associated with the personal mobile device is in the
possession of the particular user that provided the cash amount.
The POS receives an instruction to associate the cash amount with
the personal mobile device that shares the same device identifier
with the personal mobile device and the POS device. The POS device
communicates the device identifier, the unique session
identification and the cash amount to the network component. The
personal mobile device communicates the cash amount to the network
component.
[0017] The network component receives the device identifier, the
unique session identification and the cash amount. The network
component verifies the data and funds the cash account specified by
the session identification with the cash amount. The personal
mobile device accesses the cash account to fund an activity.
[0018] By way of example and not of limitation, the illustrative
device identifier originates at the personal mobile device and is
communicated to the network component. Additionally, the device
identifier originating from the personal mobile device may be
generated from a user input.
[0019] In one embodiment, the system includes a mobile application
that is downloaded to the personal mobile device, in which the
downloaded mobile application is communicatively coupled to the
network component. The mobile application requests a geo-location
data set and the mobile application communicates the geo-location
data set to the network component. In another illustrative
embodiment, the network component receives a Wi-Fi source message
from the mobile application, in which the Wi-Fi source message is
associated with an authorized location. The network component
accesses a database that identifies authorized locations.
[0020] In another illustrative system, a cash selection input is
associated with the mobile application. The cash selection input is
received by the mobile application, which is then communicated to
the network component that communicates the cash selection input to
the POS device.
[0021] In various embodiments, the mobile application that includes
a wagering game operating on the personal mobile device and the
cash account funds the wagering game. The mobile application may
also receive the device identifier and the mobile application
receives the unique session identification. The mobile application
may also display the device identifier with a large image of the
device identifier when the personal mobile device is in the same
authorized location as the POS device.
[0022] A method for anonymously funding a temporary cash account is
also described. The method includes communicatively coupling a
personal mobile device to a network component. The method proceeds
by providing a cash account that has a predefined duration period,
in which the cash account forfeits funds remaining in the cash
account upon expiration of the predefined duration period. The
method communicatively couples a Point-of-Sale (POS) device to the
network component, in which the POS device is associated with at
least one authorized location.
[0023] The personal mobile device and POS device receives a device
identifier from the network component. The device identifier may
originate at the personal mobile device and is communicated to the
network component. The device identifier may be generated from a
user input.
[0024] The method proceeds to generate a unique session
identification, at the network component, that is communicated to
the personal mobile device. The unique session identification,
generated by the network component, is also communicated to the POS
device.
[0025] The method then displays the device identifier on the POS
device. The method also displays the device identifier on the
personal mobile device when the personal mobile device is in the
same authorized location as the POS device.
[0026] A cash amount is then received at the POS device from a
particular user. The POS device then proceeds to generate a
confirmation instruction that confirms that the device identifier
associated with the personal mobile device is in the physical
possession of the particular user that provided the cash amount. An
instruction is received, at the POS, that associates the cash
amount with the personal mobile device sharing the same device
identifier with the personal mobile device and the POS device. The
cash amount from the personal mobile device is communicated to the
network component.
[0027] The network component then proceeds to receive the device
identifier, the unique session identification and the cash amount.
The cash account is funded, at the network component, with the cash
amount. The personal mobile device then accesses the cash account
to fund an activity.
[0028] In one illustrative embodiment, the method includes
downloading a mobile application to the personal mobile device, in
which the downloaded mobile application is communicatively coupled
to the network component. The mobile application requests a
geo-location data set that is communicated from the mobile
application to the network component. The network component then
communicates a list of authorized gaming locations to the mobile
application.
[0029] In another embodiment, the method includes a cash selection
input associated with the mobile application, in which the cash
selection input is received by the mobile application and
communicated to the network component, which then communicates the
cash selection input to the POS device.
[0030] In yet another embodiment, the mobile application displays
the device identifier with a large image of the device identifier
when the personal mobile device is in the same authorized location
as the POS device.
FIGURES
[0031] The illustrative embodiments may be more fully understood by
reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative, not
limiting, purposes.
[0032] FIGS. 1A and 1B shows an illustrative gaming system that
includes a layer of network components, a centralized gaming
system, a mobile wagering sub-system and a cash account.
[0033] FIG. 1C shows an expanded view of the illustrative gaming
system that includes other client devices.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows an illustrative authorized an illustrative
player interface unit, which may be embodied as either authorized
mobile device mobile device or point-of-sale (POS) device.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows further detail for the centralized gaming
system that includes the mobile wagering sub-system, which is
communicatively coupled to different venues.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative point-of-sale (POS) device
communicatively coupled to authorized mobile devices in a gaming
venue.
[0037] FIGS. 5A and 5B shows an illustrative method for anonymously
funding a temporary cash account.
[0038] FIGS. 6A through 6D shows a more detailed method for having
a user with the personal mobile device interact with the gaming
system to anonymously fund an online account with cash, when the
personal mobile device is located in an authorized location.
[0039] FIGS. 7A and 7B show illustrative screen shots that are sent
to the user when they are interacting with the mobile
application.
DESCRIPTION
[0040] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the
following description is illustrative and not in any way limiting.
Other embodiments of the claimed subject matter will readily
suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of
this disclosure. The various illustrative embodiments will now be
described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
It should be understood that this disclosure and the claims may be
embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, those
familiar with computing systems shall appreciate that there are
many variants possible for the described systems, depending on the
nature of the available networks, legal frameworks, which can open
or restrict the types of locations in which the system can be
operated, advances in server and networking technologies, etc.
[0041] The system and method presented herein supports the
anonymous funding of an online account with cash that is received
by a Point-of-Sale (POS) device. In the illustrative embodiment, a
mobile application operating on a patron's personal mobile device
communicates with the POS device disposed at a gaming venue. The
POS device receives cash from the patron and the cash is used to
fund an online account. For purposes of this patent, the online
account is also referred to as a "cash account" because the online
account is seeded with cash that is received by the POS device. In
the illustrative embodiment, the anonymous cash account may be
associated with a wagering game that operates on the patron's
personal mobile device.
[0042] The gaming systems and methods presented herein include a
mobile wagering system that is designed to be used in wagering
applications within legal gaming frameworks. More specifically, the
gaming systems and methods presented herein support centralized
control of wagering that takes place in multiple wagering venues,
which may also be referred to as a "gaming venue."
[0043] The illustrative authorized location is a gaming venue that
includes a charity, a lottery outlet, a casino and any other such
authorized or licensed gaming venue. Additionally, a gaming venue
includes a church, service club, hotel, bar, restaurant,
convenience store and other such locations that support licensed
gaming activity. Note, that the term "gaming" refers to games of
chance or games that include a chance component, in which a wager
is received, and the awarded prize is dependent on the outcome of
the game of chance or of the chance component. For example, in some
cases, each gaming venue may be associated with a sponsoring
organization, e.g. a charity, and/or an additional business entity,
e.g. a distributor. The types of venues, sponsoring organizations
and other business entities will vary according jurisdictional
statutes and regulation.
[0044] As described in further detail herein, the gaming system and
method includes a Mobile Wagering Sub-system (MWS). The gaming
system is communicatively coupled to a plurality of remote gaming
venues, in which each remote gaming venue has at least one mobile
client device that supports customer wagering. Additionally, each
remote gaming venue may include one or more Point-of-Sale stations
that manage player funds. In the illustrative embodiments presented
herein, the various elements of the gaming system are
communicatively and operatively coupled to one another with a
network structure that includes the Internet as the backbone and at
least one secure Wi-Fi network within each gaming venue.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B there is shown an illustrative
gaming system that includes a layer of network components, a
centralized gaming system, a mobile wagering sub-system and a cash
account. Computer network components or network components 20
refers to the hardware components of a computer network. By way of
example and not of limitation, the network components may include
the hardware components of a Local Area Network or a secure Wide
Area Network. Network components may include servers, software,
modems, routers, switches, hubs, Network Interface Cards (NICs),
wireless access points, firewalls, internet appliances, databases
and other such computer hardware.
[0046] In the illustrative embodiment, the servers may be
communicatively coupled to a Wide Area Network, e.g. Internet. The
network communications between the network components may operate
as a single network, a distributed network, a hierarchical network
or other network design. The network components can support sever
virtualization, virtual machines, containers, containerization, and
other such computing environments.
[0047] Network components receive and transmit data packets to
other network components or to client devices. For example, a
network component may include a server that includes a list of
authorized gaming locations and another network component may store
mobile gaming content for a mobile application.
[0048] The illustrative network components 20 provide the hardware
that supports the central gaming system 40. The illustrative mobile
wagering sub-system 60 controls and manages the mobile wagering
activities that are associated with the central gaming system 40.
The illustrative cash account 80 is controlled and managed by the
mobile wagering sub-system 60.
[0049] Thus, the network component 20 provides the computer
hardware components which support the central gaming 40. The mobile
wagering sub-system 60 is a software component or module of the
central gaming system 40. The cash account 80 that is seeded
anonymously, as described herein, is a further sub-component or
sub-module of the mobile wagering sub-system 60.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 1C, there is shown a more detailed view of
the gaming system 100 for anonymously funding a temporary cash
account. The illustrative gaming system 100 includes a personal
mobile device 107, a cash account 80 associated with the mobile
wagering sub-system 60, a Point-of-Sale (POS) device 108 and a
network component 20 associated with a centralized gaming system
40. The personal mobile device 107 is communicatively coupled to
the network component 20 because the personal mobile device 107 is
recognized as within the authorized location 124. In some
embodiments the cash account can be shared with the centralized
gaming system.
[0051] The cash account 80 has a predefined duration period. In the
illustrative embodiment, the cash account 80 forfeits funds upon
user termination of a session or expiration of the predefined
duration period. The Point-of-Sale (POS) device 108 is also
communicatively coupled to the network component 20. The POS device
is associated with an authorized location 124.
[0052] More specifically, the centralized gaming system 40 includes
one or more network components 20 such as a multiplicity of servers
that are communicatively coupled to one another. The illustrative
network components, e.g. servers, are associated with the mobile
wagering sub-system 60. In the illustrative embodiment, the mobile
wagering sub-system 60 operates with network components, e.g.
servers, that may be physical or logical devices in a virtual array
in a cloud configuration. By way of example and not of limitation,
servers are communicatively coupled to a Wide Area Network 128,
e.g. Internet, which is communicatively coupled to a plurality of
gaming venues, namely, authorized location 124.
[0053] In the illustrative embodiment, the gaming venue associated
with the authorized location 124 includes a plurality of authorized
mobile devices 109a and 109b respectively. Further still, the
illustrative gaming venue includes a Point-of-Sale (POS) device
108. The illustrative authorized mobile devices 109 and the POS
devices 108 are client devices configured to communicate with each
other and the mobile wagering sub-system 60.
[0054] In operation, the authorized mobile devices 109 and POS
devices 108 are registered with the mobile wagering sub-system 40,
which includes a database (not shown) that associates the
authorized mobile devices 109 and POS devices 108 with a designated
authorized location 124. The authorized mobile devices 109 and POS
devices 108 have been pre-configured to communicate with the mobile
wagering sub-system 60. Authorized mobile devices 109 and POS
devices 108 do not communicate with the centralized gaming system
40 when the client devices are not located at the authorized
location 124. Illustrative authorized mobile devices 109 include,
but are not limited to, tablet devices or other such wireless
devices.
[0055] Within authorized location 124, the personal mobile device
107 includes smartphones or tablets, such as an iOS device 103 or
an Android device 107, which are not pre-configured to communicate
with the mobile wagering sub-system 60. The personal mobile devices
103 and 107 may interact with the system if they are properly
loaded with an appropriate mobile application program that
identifies the personal mobile device as being within an authorized
location 124. The personal mobile device 107 is converted to an
authorized mobile devices when the mobile application program
identifies the personal mobile device as being within the
authorized location 124.
[0056] However, personal mobile device 103 is outside of the
authorized location 124 so the personal mobile device 103 is not
operating as an authorized device; thus, communications from the
non-authorized personal mobile device 103 with the centralized
gaming system 40 are limited.
[0057] The illustrative authorized mobile devices 109 and 107
operate as wireless client devices that are communicatively coupled
to the centralized gaming system 40 because the authorized mobile
devices are within the authorized location 124. Note, the POS
device 108 may also operate as an authorized device. The authorized
mobile personal device 107 can interact with the centralized gaming
system 40 because the mobile personal device is in an authorized
location 124 venue.
[0058] Additionally, the centralized gaming system 40 may be
communicatively coupled to non-mobile clients, i.e. fixed client
devices, within the authorized locations 124. The non-mobile
clients disposed in the gaming venues and communicatively coupled
to the centralized gaming system 40 include, but are not limited
to, wired devices such as gaming machines, slot machines, PCs,
stationary monitors, Internet appliances, Internet of Things (IoT)
devices and other such non-mobile devices with hardwire connections
or wireless connections to the Wide Area Network 128. The
non-mobile client devices may be configured to participate in the
games associated with the mobile wagering sub-system 60.
[0059] The authorized mobile client devices 107 and 109 comply with
the system-centric wagering requirements in which determination of
all wagering results and accounting activity are controlled by the
mobile wagering sub-system 60 and have the communications
infrastructure, directly or by proxy, to interact with the central
gaming system 40. The central gaming system 40 includes a plurality
of server applications that are configured to provide
high-availability and redundancy, process all inputs and generates
outputs.
[0060] By way of example and not of limitation, the centralized
gaming system 40 includes three different types of network
communications. Firstly, there are network communications between
the one or more network components 20 and the corresponding mobile
wagering sub-system 60. Secondly, there are network communications
between the network components 20 and the authorized locations 12
having the illustrative remote gaming venues. Thirdly, there are
network communications within the gaming venues with the personal
mobile device 107, the POS 108 and the authorized mobile devices
109.
[0061] Communication within authorized location 124 is facilitated
by one or more routers 105 and 106. These routers provide wired
and/or wireless Wi-Fi services between the external network 128 and
authorized devices 107, 108 and 109 within the authorized location
124. These routers can be configured in a variety of ways depending
on regulatory and security requirements. In general, the Wi-Fi
routers may communicate a Wi-Fi source message such as a Wi-Fi
SSID. In one embodiment, the site router 105 provides a Wi-Fi SSID
which provides generalized services to a variety of services
unrelated to the wagering system. It may also include a wired
connection to router 106, which provides a second Wi-Fi SSID which
is only dedicated to the wagering system. Other embodiments allow
bridging between the routers. In yet another embodiment, a
dedicated communication server (not shown) is provided to provide
additional network security for wagering functions.
[0062] In operation, when the authorized mobile device is in an
authorized location, the network component 20 determines a device
identifier value that is unique to the specific authorized
location. The illustrative network component 20 may create the
device identifier or it may have a screen-name suggested by the
application on the mobile device as entered by the user, in which
case the network component would validate that the suggested device
identifier value is unique at the authorized location. The
determined device identifier value is sent to the mobile device and
the POS at the authorized location as described herein.
[0063] With respect to network communications between the network
components, the illustrative network components may operate as a
single network, in which the network components can communicate
with one another using service requests. By way of example and not
of limitation, the illustrative network components have two
internet protocol addresses, namely, a Private IP used to maintain
the server network and ensuring secure server-to-server
communication, and a Public IP that is bound to the Internet and
that provides access to server services through high security
communications such as HTTPS. The network components use their
private IPs for server-to-server communication so that these
services are not exposed to the Internet, the game application
running on the authorized mobile devices and the POS devices.
[0064] By way of example and not of limitation, each server is
configured with an SSL certificate which supports HTTPS calls. The
illustrative server is configured to forward some requests it
receives through HTTPS to a local port, and the requests that are
allowed to pass are only those available to authorized "Game" and
"POS" devices. This illustrative configuration ensures that only
very specific requests are allowed from the public IP. By way of
example and not of limitation, the illustrative servers operate
using the Linux operating system and Restful programming techniques
that include Java as the programming language with Jersey RS
support. Database structures are contained in a MySQL database.
Communication between the server components, and the remote client
devices is performed over a wide-area network 128. As described
above, these network communications are performed using secure SSL
communications over the Internet.
[0065] For purposes of this patent application, the authorized
mobile devices 109 and authorized personal mobile devices 107 may
also referred to as a "player interface unit," which are described
in further detail in FIG. 2.
[0066] A player account (not shown) is associated with each of the
authorized mobile devices 109 and 107. By way of example and not of
limitation, the player account is described as a short-term,
anonymous entity tied to the client device being used by the
player, and which expires when the fund balance drops to zero.
However, it is possible in other embodiments to have non-financial
player accounts which may exist for longer time periods and be tied
to a player.
[0067] Additionally, it should be noted that while the illustrative
embodiments presented herein generally describe financial
transactions such as adding funds or cashing out at the POS device
108, in different regulatory environments or with different
technology, such player accounts can have financial transactions
originating at the player device or any other client device that
may be configured to support POS transaction. Furthermore, the
financial transactions may be supported at a system level with a
network component or server module that provides a web portal
functions for financial transactions. Thus, the financial
transactions may be performed by the client device, a network
component, a server module, or any combination thereof. Depending
on regulatory issues and available technology, financial
transactions may be based on cash, credit cards, debit cards,
digital currency or other mediums of finance.
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIG. 1, there is shown an
illustrative player interface unit 200, which may be embodied as
either authorized mobile device 109, authorized point-of-sale
device 208, authorized personal mobile device 107, non-authorized
personal mobile device 103, or any combination thereof.
[0069] The illustrative player interface unit 200 includes a
central computing element 202 with a processor 204 and memory
storage 206. In one illustrative embodiment, the authorized mobile
device 109 may include a pre-installed software module that is
associated with the authorized location 124. The pre-installed
software module may include game title files stored on remote
network components that support a mobile application, i.e. a mobile
"app" store.
[0070] In one illustrative embodiment, and the player interface
unit 200 downloads a mobile application that includes one or more
game title files, run one or more game title files and enable the
user to interact with the corresponding game title. In another
illustrative embodiment, a mobile application is downloaded to the
personal mobile device 107 and the mobile application enables the
personal mobile device 107 to be communicatively coupled to at
least one network component 20 associated with the centralized
gaming system 40.
[0071] In the illustrative embodiment, the mobile application
includes a wagering game operating on the personal mobile device
and the cash account 80 funds the wagering game. The mobile
application may also receive the device identifier, e.g. screen
name, and the mobile application receives the unique session
identification value. The mobile application may also display the
device identifier with a large image of the device identifier when
the personal mobile device is near the POS device.
[0072] The unique session identification value is generated by the
network component, which communicates the unique session identifier
to the personal mobile device 107 and POS device 208. The unique
session identification value is incorporated in all data messages
between the mobile device, POS device and the network component for
integrity verification.
[0073] In operation, the mobile application requests a geo-location
data set from the personal mobile device 107 such as information
about a local Wi-Fi access point. The illustrative mobile
application then proceeds to communicate the geo-location data set
to the network component 20. The geo-location data set that is
communicated to the network component 20 is used to determine if
the personal mobile device 107 is within an authorized location
124. The illustrative network component 20 accesses a database (not
shown) that includes a list of authorized locations for the
anonymous funding of an online account with cash.
[0074] By way of example and not of limitation, the database may
include Wi-Fi access point information that is used in conjunction
with, or instead of, geo-location data to identify authorized
locations 124. If data available to the network component confirms
that the data received from a personal mobile device 107 originates
from an authorized Wi-Fi access point matching one of the
authorized locations, then the personal mobile device 107 is within
an authorized location 124. For example, the network component may
receive a Wi-Fi source message from the mobile application, in
which the Wi-Fi source message is associated with an authorized
location.
[0075] The player interface unit 200 includes a color display with
a touch-screen 208 and a network interface component 210, which
provides network access to a local area network, a wide area
network or any combination thereof. By way of example and not of
limitation, the network interface component supports a wireless
local area network such as a Wi-Fi network, which is based on IEEE
802.11 standards. Additionally, the authorized mobile device 200
may communicate with the wide area network 128 via the illustrative
Wi-Fi network. The communication between the authorized mobile
device 200 and the mobile wagering sub-system 60 may be performed
using the illustrative HTTPS protocol or other such secure
networking protocol that allows game session inputs, commands and
outputs to be communicated securely across the Wide Area
Network.
[0076] In an illustrative embodiment, the player interface device
200 may be converted to an authorized mobile device 200 when the
player interface device 200 is within an authorized location 124.
In the illustrative embodiment, the authorized mobile device 200 is
a tablet computing devices running iOS or Android operating
systems. The illustrative authorized mobile device 200 may also
include a Funds Access Device module 212 that may be configured to
have a custom locked profile to evade security-bypassing attempts.
The Funds Access Devices (FAD) 212 may also provide alternative
methods for starting play sessions or adding funds to existing
sessions. By way of example and not of limitation, the Funds Access
Device module 212 may include currency readers and debit/credit
card readers such as a magnetic stripe reader, a smart-card reader,
an infra-red reader, a Near-Field-Communications reader and other
such financial transaction readers.
[0077] The illustrative authorized mobile device 200 may also
include an audio system component 214 that enhances the
game-playing experience for the players. The audio system component
214 may also include a standard audio jack or Bluetooth interface
so that player can use wired or wireless headphones 216 to improve
the game audio environment without disturbing others.
[0078] In one illustrative embodiment, the authorized mobile device
200 may include a printer 218 and a code reader 220. By way of
example and not of limitation, the printer 218 generates vouchers.
The illustrative code reader 220 may be embodied as a bar-code
reader that is configured to read vouchers generated by the
printer.
[0079] By way of example and not of limitation, the authorized
mobile device 200 may be configured to include a "HELP" button in
the game client that also dispatches a signal to the POS device 108
to notify the operator that the player is requesting assistance.
The authorized mobile device 200 may also be configured to include
a text-to-speech functionality to aid a visually impaired player.
Additionally, the authorized mobile device 200 may include a gaming
application that downloads files, decompresses the downloaded files
if they have been compressed, and caches all assets inside the
authorized mobile device 200. The authorized mobile device 200
supports dynamic updates without the need to update the game client
itself.
[0080] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the mobile wagering
sub-system 60 associated with network component 20 are
communicatively coupled to a plurality of authorized personal
mobile device 107 or authorized mobile devices 109 such as
illustrative player interface unit 200. In one illustrative
embodiment, the mobile wagering sub-system 60 receives a wager
input for a game session from an authorized mobile device 200. In
another illustrative embodiment, the mobile wagering sub-system 60
receives the wager input for a game session from a plurality of
authorized mobile devices 107 or 109, which may be disposed at a
plurality of different authorized locations 124.
[0081] The illustrative authorized mobile device 200 presents a
user interface on touch screen 208 that shows a plurality of game
content associated with different types of game sessions. In the
illustrative embodiment, the authorized mobile device 200 may also
accept player inputs that are associated with a game session. The
game session may perform various operations as described in further
detail below.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown further detail for the
centralized gaming system 40 that includes the mobile wagering
sub-system 60, which is communicatively coupled to different
venues. In an illustrative embodiment, the mobile wagering
sub-system functionality is distributed between a plurality of
different network components 20. The illustrative network
components 20 includes servers 302, 304, 316, database 314 and
router 320. The network components 20 provide the hardware that
supports the mobile wagering sub-system 60.
[0083] In the illustrative embodiment, the mobile wagering
sub-system 60 is communicatively coupled a centralized
resource/manufacturer server 302 that performs as a coordinating
entity for system operation and maintains authority over game
operations controlled by the centralized gaming system 40. The
mobile wagering sub-system 60 is also communicatively coupled to at
least one distributor server 304 that is communicatively coupled to
the centralized resource server 302.
[0084] In the illustrative embodiment presented in FIG. 3, a first
distributor server 304a and second distributor server 304b are
further communicatively to the centralized resource server 302.
Each of the illustrative distributor servers 304 is configured to
manage and control the game operations and cashier operations
performed at a specified subset of the authorized locations.
Distributor servers 304 may be associated with a distributor entity
that is responsible for sales and support of a multiplicity of
authorized locations, e.g. gaming venues.
[0085] For example, a first set of gaming venues 306 and 308 may be
configured to communicate with first distributor server 304a, which
manages and controls the game operations at gaming venues 306 and
308. Additionally, for a second gaming venue 310 communicates with
the illustrative second distributor server 304b, which manages and
controls the game operations at gaming venues 310. Additional
gaming venues may require additional distributor servers. Network
components 20 of the centralized gaming system 40 support a mobile
wagering sub-system that is modular and scalable.
[0086] The centralized resource server 302 performs a variety of
tasks including, but not limited to, providing a central routing
operation for each of the authorized mobile devices 107, 108 or 109
(shown in FIG. 1) so that each authorized mobile device is routed
to the proper distributor server 304a or 304b upon activation each
authorized mobile device.
[0087] By way of example and not of limitation, the first request
generated by an authorized mobile device 200 may direct the
authorized mobile device 200 to an illustrative distributor server
associate with authorized location 124. With respect to
non-authorized personal device 103, the centralized resource server
302 validates the location of each mobile device before allowing it
to operate as an authorized device 107.
[0088] Additionally, the centralized resource server 302 may be
configured to provide a central routing operation for a cashier
authentication corresponding to POS device 108. Thus, a POS device
108 may be authenticated by the appropriate distributor server 304,
which may then forward to authentication to an appropriate
distributor server 304.
[0089] The centralized resource server 302 may also be configured
to operate as a central authority for generation of finite decks of
predetermined electronic pull-tab results. It may also support
processes which enable play of games involving multiple client
devices on multiple distributors.
[0090] The centralized resource server 302 may also manage and
control financial information with a centralized database 314,
which stores data generated by the cashiers, authorized mobile
devices, and the various gaming venues. The centralized database
314 provides a central repository for accounting data, game play
data, system configuration data, and other such data types.
[0091] The illustrative distributor servers 304 are communicatively
coupled to the centralized resource server 302. Each of the
distributor servers 304 may be configured to manage finances for
the player accounts that are associated with the authorized mobile
devices. Additionally, the illustrative distributor servers 304 may
be responsible for generating logs and reports required for the
centralized reporting as well as for POS devices. Furthermore, the
illustrative distributor servers 304 may be configured to manage
game play operations, wagers and prizes. Further still, the
illustrative distributor servers 304 may manage cashier operations
including customer sales and redemptions. Further yet, the
distributor servers 304 may be configured to maintain the financial
status for the authorized mobile devices, including the actual
credit balance on each player device.
[0092] In an alternative embodiment, the operations performed by
the centralized resource server 302 and the distributor server 304
may be performed by a centralized resource software module (not
shown) and a distributor software module (not shown) that may be
associated with a client-server architecture, a distributed
architecture, a peer-to-peer architecture, a hierarchical
architecture, a "cloud" architecture or any combination
thereof.
[0093] The mobile wagering sub-system 60 may also include an
illustrative web portal server 316. The web portal server 316
provides a web interface to access system accounting, financial
reporting and operational data, as well as to maintain and
configure the system. The web portal server 316 is configured to
support creating, editing and removing entities like distributors,
operators, venues, cashiers, devices, game parameters and others as
required. All actions performed on the portal 316 are logged for
auditing purposes. This action log can be accessed on the portal
316 itself if the user has the appropriate system privileges.
[0094] By way of example and not of limitation, the web portal
server may be accessed from personal computers or tablet devices
318 over the internet. Authorized users having "administrator"
privileges may access system reports and controls based upon their
operational needs and organizational affiliation. The web portal
server 316 supports a variety of different authorized users having
different roles with different levels of access to the mobile
wagering sub-system 60. For example, the web portal server may be
configured to support the following roles: regulator, manufacturer,
distributor with access to multiple operators, operator with access
to multiple venues, a particular venue, a particular cashier and
other such preconfigured roles. Other roles and associated access
privileges may be created as determined by regulatory and
operational needs.
[0095] An illustrative router 320 also communicates with the mobile
wagering sub-system 60. The router 320 is communicatively coupled
to a wide area network 322, e.g. Internet, which is communicatively
coupled to the various venues and authorized users. Additionally,
the illustrative router 320 is communicatively coupled to the
portal server 316, each distributor server 304 and the centralized
resource server 302. The router 320 forwards data packets to the
appropriate network component such as a server, a network, an
internet appliance, a sub-system and other such network components.
Additionally, the router 320 may include a firewall that supports
secure communications with the mobile wagering sub-system 60.
[0096] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an illustrative
point-of-sale (POS) device communicatively coupled to authorized
mobile devices in a gaming venue. The illustrative POS device 402
is communicatively coupled to one or more authorized mobile devices
404 and 406 in gaming venue 408. By way of example and not of
limitation, the illustrative POS device 402 is communicatively
coupled to authorized mobile devices with a native Socket
implementation inside a Local Area Network (LAN). An exploded view
of an illustrative user interface 410 corresponding to POS device
402 is also shown.
[0097] The point-of-sale device 402 is configured to manage all
cash operations such as cash-in operations and cash-out operations.
The cash-in and cash-out operations may be requested by the
authorized mobile device 404, the authorized mobile device 406, the
POS 402 or any combination thereof. In the
[0098] Illustrative embodiment, the POS device 402 is configured to
receive a cash amount. The POS device 402 also receives an
instruction to associate the cash amount with the personal mobile
device 404 that shares the same device identifier with the personal
mobile device 404 and the POS device 402. For example, in FIG. 4,
the phrase "MY NAME" is presented as a device identifier on the
mobile gaming device as item 430, and on the POS as item 420. The
personal mobile device may then proceed to communicate the cash
amount to the POS which initiates the funding transaction to the
network component when the cash payment has been physical
confirmed.
[0099] The POS device 402 generates a confirmation instruction that
confirms that the device identifier associated with the personal
mobile device is in the possession of the particular user that
provided the cash amount. In operation, the POS device 402 receives
an instruction to associate the cash amount with the personal
mobile device that shares the same device identifier with the
personal mobile device and the POS device. The POS device 402
communicates the device identifier, the unique session
identification and the cash amount to the network component.
[0100] The illustrative point-of-sale (POS) device 402 and
authorized mobile devices 404 and 406 may be embodied as a personal
mobile devices 107 an authorized device 109, which are described
above in FIG. 1. The illustrative POS device 402 is a client device
configured to receive and operate a proprietary POS software
component, e.g. a downloadable application.
[0101] The authorized mobile devices 404 and 406 are client devices
configured to receive and operate a proprietary game application.
The illustrative POS device 402 and authorized mobile devices 404
and 406 are communicatively coupled with the mobile wagering
sub-system 40. In the illustrative embodiment, the client devices
communicate with the mobile wagering sub-system 60 for each
transaction. More generally, all wagering and accounting
information is monitored and stored in the centralized gaming
system 40 and the client devices reflect the information received
from the centralized gaming system 40. For reasons of security and
consistency all game play decisions and financial data is hosted in
the centralized gaming system 40 and only visually reflected in the
client devices.
[0102] The illustrative wide area network 128, e.g. Internet,
(shown in FIG. 1) is communicatively coupled to the illustrative
gaming venue 408, which is located within an authorized location
124. In the illustrative embodiment, the illustrative wide area
network terminates at Router A 410. The illustrative Router A 410
may be a pre-existing router located at the venue 408 and usable
for multiple purposes, depending on the needs of the venue. For
example, Router A 410 may be a component of a cable TV system. In
the illustrative embodiment, a second Router B 412 is also
communicatively coupled to router A 410. Illustrative Router B 412
is configured to support the requirements for communications with
the mobile wagering sub-stem 60. In some embodiments there may be a
single router which performs the functions of Router A and Router
B.
[0103] In the illustrative embodiment, router B 412 establishes two
private Wi-Fi SSIDs to be used only at a specific site. Each Wi-Fi
SSID includes a security key that is unique to that site and is not
available to site personnel. One SSID may be used for the exclusive
use of the mobile wagering system 60 and a second SSID may be
provided for exclusive use pf other system applications.
[0104] The illustrative POS 402 computer is an electronic device
that may be operated by a cashier in a venue. The POS device 402
provides control over financial activity within the venue. The
illustrative POS Application program supports the following
illustrative operations, namely, a cash-in operation (sales), a
cash-out operation (redemption) and a reporting operation.
[0105] In the illustrative embodiment, the cashier logs into the
POS application program by providing a cashier username and
password. During the set-up process, the cashier name is associated
with a cashier role that is associated only with a particular
venue. After a successful login, the POS client retrieves relevant
system information from an illustrative distributor server 302,
which presents the user interface 410.
[0106] The illustrative user interface 410 associated with POS
client 402 presents colored icons, in which each icon represents
one of the authorized mobile devices (such as authorized mobile
devices 404 and 406) in the venue 408. Note that the illustrative
authorized mobile devices 406 and 408 may also be referred to as "a
registered gaming client." By way of example, each icon 418 has a
short identifier representing the local identification of the
device, which is unique within that venue. For example, a grey icon
may identify that the authorized mobile device has been registered
with the mobile wagering sub-system; however, the authorized mobile
device is not currently available for game play. Another
illustrative icon may be a yellow icon, which represents that the
authorized mobile device is present and available. A green icon may
represent that the authorized mobile device has credit and is
involved in a game session. A red icon may represent that a player
input has been received that relates to a HELP button input
command, a cash selection input command or a cash output command.
When a personal mobile device 109 is identified in location 408,
the POS will be notified by the network component 20 and the POS
will display a new icon 420 which will represent the new device
which will be identified with a display of the device identifier,
as received from the network component.
[0107] In operation, a cashier interacts with the user interface
410 and selects an icon associated with a particular authorized
mobile device. After selecting the appropriate authorized mobile
device, the user interface enables the cashier to add cash to the
authorized mobile device, to cash-out a player from the authorized
mobile device, and to display a log of recent play and
transactional activity and other operational functions as may be
required in various implementations.
[0108] The add cash process may include a cash selection input that
is associated with the mobile application operating on the personal
mobile device 107. The cash selection input is received by the
mobile application, which is then communicated to the network
component associated with the mobile wagering sub-system 60, which
communicates the cash selection input to the POS device.
[0109] The illustrative POS client 402 is communicatively coupled
to centralized resource server 302, the distributor server 304 or
any other such network components.
[0110] A variety of other user interfaces may also be presented on
the POS device 402. For example, a user interface may be presented
that allows the illustrative cashier to access reports and to
log-out from the POS device 402. For example, a reports screen may
be presented that summarizes the business activity of the current
day, the previous day or a historical period. The reports may
include data regarding cash-in sales (in dollars), awarded prizes
(in US Dollars) and net revenue, which is the difference between
the cash-in sales and the awarded prizes. The illustrative reports
screen may be refreshed in real time or in pseudo real time.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 5A, there is shown an illustrative method
for anonymously funding a temporary cash account 80. The method
describes the various steps performed by a player interacting with
the gaming system 100. The illustrative centralized gaming method
500 is initiated at block 502 where an illustrative player enters
one of the authorized locations 124 (shown in FIG. 1), e.g. a
gaming venue, and indicates to the cashier or similar venue
employee that the player wants to initiate game play with the
gaming system 100.
[0112] The method then proceeds to block 504 where the cashier
collects monetary funds such as cash, e-money, debit card, credit
card and other such monetary funds as are appropriate depending on
jurisdictional regulatory requirements.
[0113] At block 506, the illustrative cashier then proceeds to
interface with a Point-Of Sale (POS) application on a device such
as POS device 108 (shown in FIG. 1). In another embodiment, the
player may interface with a kiosk version of the POS device 108
without the need to interact with a venue employee. In yet another
embodiment, the POS application may be running on an authorized
mobile device 212 and the player may interact directly with the POS
application.
[0114] While interfacing with the POS device or POS application, at
block 506, the illustrative cashier identifies the authorized
mobile device 109 (shown in FIG. 1) associated with the player. The
illustrative cashier then proceeds to enter the amount of credits
to add to the authorized mobile devices. This amount of credits is
stored in illustrative central database 314 (shown in FIG. 3).
[0115] At block 508, the total credits, which correspond to the
collected funds, are presented on the authorized mobile device 109.
The player may then interact with a game application running on the
authorized mobile device. The player may also select from a variety
of different game applications, which may be presented as a menu of
games displayed on the authorized mobile device 109 screen. In
operation, various game screens corresponding to the chosen game
are presented to the player.
[0116] At block 510, the player can select a wager amount for a
particular game session. In the illustrative embodiment, the wager
amount includes the number of credits the player has selected to be
wagered. Depending on jurisdictional requirements, wager amounts
can be expressed in dollars and cents (or other local currency) or
in terms of credits, where each unit of credit has a monetary
value. By way of example and not of limitation, the player may then
initiate the game session by pressing a PLAY button, which is an
illustrative game input received by the authorized mobile device
109.
[0117] With reference to FIG. 5B, the method proceeds to block 512
where a game request is sent from the authorized mobile device 109
to the mobile wagering sub-system 60 (shown in FIG. 1). The mobile
wagering sub-system 60 processes the game request. In the
illustrative embodiment, the mobile wagering sub-system 60
determines a prize result and a graphic representation or
representations of the prize result. Additionally, the mobile
wagering sub-system 60 logs the transaction, updates database game
information, and updates an accounting module to reflect the amount
spent and player winnings corresponding to the game session.
Furthermore, the mobile wagering sub-system 60 sends a response
message or messages to the authorized mobile device specifying the
information to be displayed and the new value of the player
account.
[0118] The method then proceeds to block 514 where the authorized
mobile device 109 receives the outcome(s) from the mobile wagering
sub-system 60. For example, the authorized mobile device 109 is
configured to present animations and other results associated with
the game session. The authorized mobile device 109 may also include
an updated accounting of total credits and the prize amounts
awarded. After the game session is completed, the player can return
to the game menu at any time and select a different game to
play.
[0119] At block 516, the authorized mobile device receives an "Add
Cash" input. By way of example, the player decides to add funds to
their play amount by providing the "Add Cash" input, which alerts
the cashier that the player wants to add cash to their session
total. The cashier then proceeds to interact with the POS device
108 or POS App (not shown). The cashier then proceeds to enter the
amount of funds to add to the authorized mobile devices and the
funds are stored in the illustrative central database 314.
[0120] The "Add Cash" process operates as a cash selection input
that is associated with the mobile application operating on the
personal mobile device 107. The cash selection input is received by
the mobile application, which is then communicated to the network
component associated with the mobile wagering sub-system 60, which
communicates the cash selection input to the POS device.
[0121] In the illustrative embodiment, the POS device 108 proceeds
to receive a cash amount from a particular user. The POS device
then proceeds to generate a confirmation instruction that confirms
that the device identifier associated with the personal mobile
device is in the physical possession of the particular user that
provided the cash amount. The POS device 108 receives an
instruction to associate the cash amount with the personal mobile
device 107 that shares the same device identifier, e.g. screen
name, with the personal mobile device 107 and the POS device 108.
The POS communicates the cash amount, the device identifier and the
session identifier to the mobile wagering sub-system 60 operating
on one or more network components.
[0122] At block 518, the authorized mobile device receives a "Cash
Out" input. For example, when the player has finished the game
session and wants to "Cash Out" the player presses a "Cash Out"
button on the authorized mobile device 109. In the illustrative
embodiment, after the authorized mobile device receives the "Cash
Out" input, the cashier is notified that the player desires to
"Cash Out." Using the POS device 108 or the POS App, the cashier
selects the "Cash Out" input and obtains the total funds remaining
on the authorized mobile device after the player has completed one
or more game sessions. The remaining account total information is
received from the mobile wagering sub-system 60. The cashier pays
the player the amount due and confirms the payment at the POS. The
client device is then available for use by another player.
[0123] Referring now to FIG. 6A, there is shown a method for having
a user with the personal mobile device 107 interact with the system
100 to anonymously fund an online account with cash.
[0124] The illustrative process is initiated at block 601 where the
user downloads the illustrative mobile application from a mobile
application store, i.e. a mobile "app." In the illustrative
embodiment, the mobile app is called the PilotConnect Cash &
Play mobile app.
[0125] At block 603, the mobile application is downloaded to the
personal mobile device 107 (shown in FIG. 1) and the mobile
application is opened, thereby activating the mobile application on
the personal mobile device 107.
[0126] At decision diamond 605, the personal mobile device 107
determines if the personal mobile device 107 is communicating by
Wi-Fi. If the personal mobile device is communicated via Wi-Fi, the
method proceeds to block 607.
[0127] At block 607, the mobile application running the personal
mobile device 107 attempts to communicate with a nearby POS device
108 (shown in FIG. 1) using Wi-Fi. The ability to connect to a POS
indicates that the personal mobile device 107 is in an authorized
location 124.
[0128] At decision diamond 609, a determination is made if the
personal mobile device 107 can communicate with the nearby POS
device 108 within the authorized location. If the personal mobile
device 107 can communicate with the POS device, the method proceeds
to circle B, which is continued in FIG. 6B.
[0129] If the personal mobile device 107 cannot communicate with
the POS device, the method proceeds to block 620. At block 620, the
illustrative mobile application includes an embedded function that
accesses geo-location data (GL). An illustrative location-based
service is Geocode.io, which accesses Global Positioning Service
(GPS) satellite data collected by an agent in the mobile
application that combines GPS data with other available
environmental data to determine a probable location for the
personal mobile device 107. The illustrative location-based service
or mobile application may include a confidence factor since
accuracy can be affected by a variety of factors, including
weather, building obstructions, interference and other such
factors. In operation, when a geo-location (GL) check is performed
at block 620 the GL data calculated by the location-based service
is sent to the mobile application.
[0130] At block 622, the GL data is sent by the mobile application
operating on a personal mobile device 107 to the mobile wagering
sub-system 60. The mobile wagering sub-system 60 is communicatively
coupled to a network component that includes a database 314 with
geo-location data for all authorized locations. The illustrative
network component may include a server that determines a list of
nearby locations that are sent from the centralized gaming system
40 to the mobile application running on the personal mobile device
107.
[0131] As block 624, authorized locations are displayed by the
mobile application on the personal mobile device 107. The user
interacting with the mobile application then has an opportunity, as
presented in block 626, to relocate to an authorized location.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 7A there is shown an illustrative
screenshot 720 that may be displayed on a personal mobile device
103 (shown in FIG. 1) that is located in a non-authorized or
unauthorized location.
[0133] Referring now to FIG. 6B there is shown the operations
performed by the illustrative personal mobile device 107 when the
personal mobile device 107 is located in an authorized
location.
[0134] At block 630 a heartbeat communication begins between the
POS device 108 and personal mobile device 107. The heartbeat
communication includes a background message protocol that requires
the personal mobile device 107 to send a message to the POS device
108 periodically, e.g. once every 10 seconds. Once the personal
mobile device 107 is within the authorized location, then the
heartbeat communication confirms that the personal mobile device
108 is within the illustrative gaming venue. The heartbeat
communication provides additional security that the personal mobile
device 107 is not being operated outside the bounds of the
authorized location 124. If the POS device 108 observes the loss of
the heartbeat communication for a pre-defined period, the POS
device 108 notifies the mobile wagering sub-system 60 that the
personal mobile device 107 is no longer authorized to communicate
with the mobile wagering sub-system 60.
[0135] In block 632, the mobile application running on the personal
mobile device 107 receives a message from mobile wagering
sub-system 60 that includes the user's authorized location, gaming
venue name, and a unique session identification.
[0136] In the illustrative embodiment, the unique session
identification is generated by one of the network components
associated with the mobile wagering sub-system 60. The unique
session identification is communicated to the personal mobile
device 107. The unique session identification, generated by the
network component, is also communicated to the POS device 108.
[0137] At block 634, the mobile application displays a message to
the user welcoming them to the venue. An illustrative screenshot
730 presented in FIG. 7A shows the illustrative message that is
sent to the user welcoming them to the venue.
[0138] At block 636, the mobile application prompts the user to
choose a device identifier. By way of example and not of
limitation, the device identifier is a screen name that is received
by the personal mobile device 107. In one illustrative embodiment,
the device identifier originates at the personal mobile device. By
way of example and not of limitation, the device identifier is
generated from a user input. Alternatively, the device identifier
may be generated by a network component or other central gaming
system component and then communicated from the network component
to the personal mobile device and to the POS device. In another
embodiment the user may be identified as being part of another
system or database which contains a preferred device
identification, e.g. screen name, which can be used provided that
it complies with rules regarding uniqueness.
[0139] In an illustrative embodiment, the device identifier is a
screen name having a 10 character alphanumeric field. In another
embodiment, the user may enter a screen name that they have
previously chosen and saved on the system with a password.
[0140] At block 638, the selected device identifier, e.g. screen
name, is communicated to the central gaming system 40. At block
640, the mobile wagering sub-system 60 confirms that a chosen
screen name is not active at the venue. If the chosen screen name
has already in use, then the user will be advised to choose another
screen name (not shown). The mobile wagering sub-system 40 also
compares a chosen screen name to a list of phrases which are not
acceptable. If unacceptable then the user will be advised to choose
another name (not shown).
[0141] After the uniqueness of the screen name, i.e. device
identifier, has been validated, the method proceeds to block 642.
The unique device identification, also referred to as the screen
name, along with the session identification is sent in a message to
the personal mobile device 107 and the POS device 108. In the
illustrative embodiment, the message includes the chosen screen
name with the unique session identification. Referring to FIG. 7A,
there is shown an illustrative screenshot 740 of the display screen
presented on the personal mobile device 107 with the message that
includes the unique screen name and unique session
identification.
[0142] Referring back to FIG. 6B, at block 644 the POS device 108
adds the new client, e.g. personal mobile device 107, to the list
of devices operational in the venue and the POS display may
presents a list of authorized wireless devices. The method
continues to block 646 where the personal mobile device 107
displays the screen name and the user chooses to initiate an "add
cash" selection.
[0143] Referring now to FIG. 6C, at block 650, which is subsequent
to the user selecting an option to add cash, the personal mobile
device 107 displays a large image of the chosen screen name on the
personal mobile device screen. An illustrative screen shot of the
large image of the chosen screen name is shown as screen shot 740
in FIG. 7A.
[0144] At block 652, the user proceeds to show the chosen device
identifier, e.g. screen name, to the cashier. Also, the user
indicates to the cashier the amount of cash to be added. Note, the
cash transaction is conducted in a relatively anonymous manner,
meaning that the gaming system requires no identification, however
local regulation may require showing of identification to verify
age, or identification may later be required for tax purposes for
large winners, etc.
[0145] At block 654, the user then tenders the indicated amount of
cash to the cashier. The method then proceeds to block 656 where
the cashier selects an Add Cash function on the POS device 108 and
enters the amount tendered. In jurisdictions where payment for
wagering is permitted in non-cash methods the funds might be
tendered with credit card, debit card or other such valid
instrument.
[0146] The "Add Cash" process operates as a cash selection input
that is associated with the mobile application operating on the
personal mobile device 107. The cash selection input is received by
the mobile application, which is then communicated to the network
component associated with the mobile wagering sub-system 60, which
communicates the cash selection input to the POS device, which
indicates the impending transaction by changing the color, or
otherwise highlighting the device making a request.
[0147] The POS device 108 then proceeds to receive a cash amount.
The POS device receives an instruction to associate the cash amount
with the personal mobile device 107 that shares the same device
identifier, e.g. screen name, with the personal mobile device and
the POS device.
[0148] At block 658, the POS device 108 sends a message to the
mobile wagering sub-system 60 that includes the cash amount, the
session identification, the device identifier for personal mobile
device 107. The method then proceeds to block 660, in which mobile
wagering sub-system 60 validates the transaction by verifying the
personal mobile device 107, verifying the session, and updating the
cash totals for the session in one or more databases. The
transaction is logged in a transaction history. If the data is
invalid an error message will be returned to the POS (not
shown).
[0149] The mobile wagering sub-system 60 includes one or more
network components and at least one of the network components
receives the device identifier (e.g. screen name), the unique
session identification and the cash amount. The network component
associated with the mobile wagering sub-system 60 funds the cash
account 80 with the cash amount. The personal mobile device may
then access the cash account 80 to fund an activity as described
herein.
[0150] At block 662, the new cash total for an on-line cash account
80 is communicated to the personal mobile device 107 and the POS
device 108 associated with the transaction.
[0151] The method then proceeds to block 664 where a receipt may be
printed. In the illustrative embodiment, the POS device 108
includes an optional receipt printer that prints a receipt for the
user showing the name and address of the venue, the device
identification, the screen name, the date and time, the session
identification, the amount of the cash added and the new cash total
in the on-line account. At block 666, the personal mobile device
107 displays the new cash total to the user on the personal mobile
device display screen.
[0152] In another embodiment the use of a screen name entered by
the player is replaced by a screen name that is randomly selected
by the mobile wagering sub-system 60 in a form that is easily
displayable to the player and visible on the personal mobile device
107 display screen by the POS cashier. The random screen name would
conform to the same requirements as the previously described player
selected screen name, in that the screen name would have to be
unique to the authorized location 124.
[0153] In a further embodiment, the player could be offered an
opportunity to log onto an external entertainment system (not
shown) with an identification and password and the Screen Name
could be an item contained in the record for that player on the
external system.
[0154] Referring now to FIG. 6D and decision diamond 674, the user
of the mobile personal device 107 is presented with a menu of
functions that includes an itemization of games. The user can
select one of multiple functions, including, the addition of cash
to the on-line account, to play a game or to cash out from the game
play.
[0155] If the user selects a function to add more cash to the
session total, then the method returns to circle "C" and the
operations beginning at block 650 (shown in FIG. 6C) through circle
"D" are performed as previously described. An illustrative screen
shot of the added cash is shown as screen shot 760 in FIG. 7A.
[0156] Returning to FIG. 6D, if the user decides play a game at
decision diamond 674, the method proceeds to block 670 where the
user can touch a menu icon to select a game, which causes a request
message to be sent from the illustrative personal mobile device 107
to the mobile wagering sub-system 60. At block 672, the mobile
wagering sub-system validates the request, confirms that the user
has sufficient funds in the session cash amount to play the game,
and then perform the game function and debits the account by the
cost of the game play. The game functions may vary considerably,
depending on the type of game chosen. For example, an electronic
pull-tab game is very distinct from a bingo game. Following
execution of the electronic play, the mobile wagering sub-system 60
sends the results to the requesting authorized mobile client device
107 or 109. This result include a game result descriptor sufficient
for the authorized mobile client device 107 or 109 to determine
animation of the game for the user, as well as the amount won by
the user, if any, and a new session cash total reflecting the cost
of the game play and any amounts won by the player in the game.
Following play of the game, the user may select a new game or
function as shown in block 674. It should be noted that additional
functions, such as selecting among optional denomination choices,
HELP, and GAME INFORMATION may also be available choices to the
user (not shown). In the case of an electronic pull-tab, or random
number slot game the play sequence may be defined in a single
message exchange, however in a multi-player bingo game there can be
many messages involving enrollment, ball draws, declaration of
wins, etc.
[0157] If the player elects to end the session and cash out at
decision diamond 674, then the method proceeds to block 676. At
block 676 the sequence is show that follows the user selection of a
desire by the user to conclude a play session by cashing out
session funds. In block 676 personal mobile device 107 displays the
Screen name on the personal mobile device.
[0158] At block 678 the user shows the device identifier, e.g.
screen name, display on the personal mobile device 107 to the
cashier. An illustrative screen shot of the screen name for the
cash out is shown as screen shot 770 in FIG. 7B.
[0159] The cashier then proceeds to inspect the screen of the POS
device 108 and finds the device identifier, e.g. screen name, 420
for the personal mobile device 107 on the displayed list of active
devices, as indicated by block 680. Note, the cashier can easily
recognize the personal mobile device 107 because the same screen
name is presented on the mobile personal device 107 and on the POS
device 108. Also see items 420 and 430 in FIG. 4.
[0160] At block 682, the POS device 108 sends a cash out request
message to mobile wagering sub-system 60 including the venue, the
device and the screen name.
[0161] The method then proceeds to block 684 where the mobile
wagering sub-system 60 uses the supplied information to retrieve
the session record appropriate to the device and access the current
session cash total. At block 685, the mobile wagering sub-system 60
returns the cash out amount to the initiating POS device 108 with
the identifying device information closes the active session and
creates a log entry in the database.
[0162] At block 686 the POS device 108 displays the cash amount. If
an optional receipt printer is associated with the POS device 108,
a receipt is printed for the user as indicated by block 688. The
illustrative receipt includes the venue name and address, the date
and time, the device identification, amount redeemed and screen
name.
[0163] At block 690 the cashier will pay the user. The personal
mobile device then proceeds to display the updated cash total as
indicated by block 692. An illustrative screen shot of the
completed cash out is presented as a "thank-you" screen shot 780 in
FIG. 7B.
[0164] The system and method described above relate to the funding
of wagering activity on a software application, e.g. a mobile
application, on a user's personal device. Many mechanisms are
available for funding wagering activity using debit cards or credit
cards, or other private account. The systems and method support
wagering activity that is only allowable within geographic
boundaries of specified venues. The systems and methods described
above allow the payment of cash by an anonymous user by defining an
interaction between a user with a personal device and a POS device
at a location authorized or licensed to offer wagering on mobile
devices.
[0165] It should be noted that in jurisdictions that allow gaming
outside of physically licensed areas some of the above-mentioned
security considerations may be relaxed or replaced by more
appropriate mechanisms. It is to be understood that the detailed
description of illustrative embodiments are provided for
illustrative purposes. The scope of the claims is not limited to
these specific embodiments or examples. Therefore, various process
limitations, elements, details, and uses can differ from those just
described, or be expanded on or implemented using technologies not
yet commercially viable, and yet still be within the inventive
concepts of the present disclosure. The scope of the invention is
determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.
* * * * *